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Local MP Michael Moore has welcomed statistics released today which show a drop in the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in the Borders.

Figures show that in July the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in the Borders was 1,715, compared to 1,754 in June, a drop of 39.

“It is good to see that the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in the Borders has dropped again.

"Every person back in work is a boost to them, their family and the local community so it’s great that there are 39 people back in work in the Borders compared to June.

“There is however no room for complacency because there are still 1,715 Borderers out of work and claiming JSA.

"Over the next few months, I will be working with local businesses to see how we can reduce unemployment even further and give people the opportunities they need to break into the job market through apprenticeships and work experience placements.”

The MP for South Lakes Tim Farron has welcomed figures released today which show that unemployment has fallen in South Lakeland.

According to figures released by the Office of National Statistics, Westmorland and Lonsdale's unemployment rate fell to just over one percent of the population aged 16 - 64.

This meant that there were 119 fewer claimants than in July 2012 and 10 fewer claimants than last month.

"This announcement is heartening news for our local economy, and shows the continued resilience of South Lakeland's businesses to an extremely challenging economic climate.

“That said, we must remember that the South Lakes has a large elderly population which is not included in these figures. Whilst it is good news that our unemployment rate is so low, wages are also often lower here as the South Lakes has a higher percentage of seasonal workers than other places in the region.

"This is why it is so important that we continue pushing for well paid jobs and apprenticeships for our community."

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The latest jobless figures have shown that while there was a drop in the number of unemployed in the Borders over the past month, there was also an increase in Dumfries and Galloway for the first time in five months.

The number of people who are out of work in the Borders stands at 1,955 - which is 32 down on last month - while in Dumfries and Galloway the figure is up by 66 to 3,322.